PATEA HARBOR BOARD.

Patea Mail, Volume V, Issue 498, 10 March 1880, Page 2

PATEA HARBOR BOARD.

The regular monthly meeting of the above Board was held on Monday last. Present—Messrs Sherwood (chairman), Horner, Adams, Milroy, and Gibson. Minutes of previous meeting read and confirmed.

A letter was read from the Marine Department, as follows:—Referring to your letter requesting that the approval ot His Excellency the Goyernor-in-Conncil might be given to the plans for a deviation of the river channel, a training wall on the loft bank, and a new quay on the right bank, I have the honor, by direction of the Minister having charge of the Marine Department, to inform you that the plans of the first two works will be submitted for approval at an early date, those for the training wall being modified by substituting rather heavier timbers. With reference to the plans for the new quay, I am to inform you that it is not proposed to submit these plans for approval until after the site of the railway wharf is fixed.—H. Wilson.

The Harbor-master reported as follows : —The bar has two channels—one north, and the other south. The latter is being used, as there is more water in it—namely, 9 feet at neap, and 11 at spring tides. The north spit has lowered greatly since my last report. The two channels will account for there being so little water on the bar, but taking the time of the year into consideration, the depth on bar and in channel is very good. At the end of breakwater there is a depth of 10 feet at neap and 13 feet at spring tides; width from breakwater to north spit, IG7 feet at neap and spring tides. Reports from masters of vessels trading to this and other ports is very favorable as regards the alteration in the light at light-house. Men and punt have been engaged lifting snags. Would respectfully suggest that the Bathing Club keep two life-buoys at their bathing establishment, if bathing is to be allowed at the present place. Eighteen vessels crossed the bar during February, one out of the number at night,— A. Wood. The Engineer reported as follows : The rubble work has been completed to the extent of 725 feet, and the contractor will at once go on with the concrete blocks. The channel has continued in very good order, and taking into account the lengthened period of dry weather we have had, and the present condition of the river, I believe we will not be troubled with sand banks, such as we had last year, any more.— J. Thomson. Proposed by Mr Sherwood, seconded by Mr 'Horner pro forma, “That tenders bo called for the building of an addition of a lean-to and doable chimney to the pilot’s house.” An amendment was proposed by Mr Milroy, seconded by Mr Adams, “ That until the Pilot Reserve bo properly vested in the Board, no further improvements be at present made; and that an application be made to the Government to have the Pilot Reserve put in a proper state of repair.” The amendment was carried.

Proposed by Mr Sherwood, seconded by Mr Milroy, and carried, “ That the Engineer be instructed to prepare plans in duplicate of the whole of Sir John Goode’s proposed scheme for making the harbor, in four sections, with all necessary details ; and estimates, ‘ under seal,’ to be delivered to the Secretary within four months from date hereof.”

A notice of motion by Mr Sherwood, “ That the country members be paid a sum of 30s for each attendance at meetings ot the Board, as travelling expenses,” lapsed for want ot a seconder. Accounts were passed for payment, and the meeting adjourned.